"I'd come back to Hogwarts if you wanted me to, not
because you needed a Defense teacher, Headmaster."

Severus
sighed and closed his eyes against Remus' emphasis of his title. "What
were you expecting? A proposal?" he demanded, opening his eyes to find
Remus staring at him, his eyes full of wistful sadness and resignation.

"I don't expect anything from you, Severus, not now."

"Ten months ago, you—"

"And
I said a lot of things. We were pissed. We shagged. It was a
celebration—I don't expect you meant half of what you told me then. .
. . If you had, you wouldn't have left me to my own devices for so
long."

"Lupin, I—"

"But you did, and that's fine,"
Remus continued, running a hand through his dusty hair. "I know you've
been busy since your exoneration. I just thought—no. No, it doesn't
matter what I thought. Ask Harry. He'll probably jump at the chance to
return to Hogwarts."

"I don't want Potter! I want you. Stop behaving
like a stubborn fool and come . . . come home. With me," Severus added,
hoping that it would be enough.